Badgers Musings: Offense Runs Into a Maize & Blue Wall

It was hard to imagine Wisconsin going 3-0 during their gauntlet which pitted them against Michigan State, Michigan and Ohio State. After their dominating performance versus Michigan State, people thought it might be possible. Then news came out late last week Vince Biegel would miss two to four weeks, and doubt set in again. Turns out Biegel wasn’t the problem, the fact Wisconsin lacks a quarterback is.

Alex Hornibrook looked like a freshman
You had to think one of these games would look like this for Alex Hornibrook. He showed very little poise after doing the opposite in the first two games he appeared in. Hornibrook didn’t know how to handle pressure. He needs to have better pocket awareness and create plays for himself. There were too many times where Hornibrook stood there and took the abuse. This game would have been another story if just once or twice Hornibrook found Jazz Peavy deep when he was streaking down the field.

T.J. Watt is going to be a star
This isn’t breaking news, but J.J.’s youngest brother is going to be high draft pick just like him. T.J. Watt was everywhere on Saturday. He made Wilton Speight’s day a living hell back there. Watt along with Jack Cichy helped ease the pain of losing a player like Biegel. Watt is currently leading the NCAA in sacks. Now that he has five games of tape, I wonder if a team will find a way to slow him down. So far, that’s not happening with him, and if Biegel doesn’t take long to return, this is a fearsome outside combination.

Michigan has the look of a playoff contender
Wolverines have the look of a team in the playoffs come late December. They have multiple running backs who can beat you in different ways. An aggressive front seven who can dominate any offensive line plus a once-in-a-lifetime playmaker with Jabril Peppers. I’m not saying they’re the National Champion, but it wouldn’t surprise me one bit. Also what helps is their schedule isn’t as daunting as once believed with Michigan State and Iowa not being as good as once believed. Still, a trip to Columbus looms in late November.